Manchester City and England defender John Stones has revealed that he almost retired from football last season after enduring a string of injuries that left him physically and mentally drained.
The 31-year-old, who managed just 11 Premier League appearances in the 2024/25 campaign, battled persistent foot and hamstring problems — the latter sidelining him from February. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Stones admitted the toll had pushed him to the brink.
“Last season was tough for me, to the point where I thought about stopping,” Stones confessed. “I didn’t want to do it, but I’d had enough of being so professional and doing everything right, only to keep breaking down. It was a very difficult place to be.”
Now back fit, Stones has returned to the England squad under new head coach Thomas Tuchel for the upcoming friendly against Wales and a crucial World Cup qualifier against Latvia on October 14. A win in Riga would seal England’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Despite his recent struggles, the veteran centre-back insists he never truly lost his fighting spirit.
“My emotions were high. I wasn’t thinking straight,” Stones admitted. “Deep down, I don’t think I would have ever quit. I’ve always been a fighter since I was a kid — why stop now?”
Since joining City from Everton in 2016, injuries have often disrupted Stones’ career, preventing him from playing more than 27 league games in a season. This term, he has made five starts, with Pep Guardiola preferring Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol in central defence.
Still, the England international remains determined to reclaim his place.
“There’s a fight in me,” he said. “That winning mentality doesn’t go away.”
